Hobbesian liberalism: a critique of Melidoro on liberal theory and diversity

Abstract

[Excerpt] I would like to acknowledge Domenico Melidoro for the opportunity to discuss his new and important book on the connection between liberal theory and social pluralism, and also Daniele Santoro for organizing this book discussion. For the sake of brevity, I will only raise three points of debate. The first point is about the general approach of the book and, more specifically, its reliance on practical considerations. Melidoro wants to confront the theories of liberalism with “the fact of pluralism” (Rawls) in a broad sense, including doctrines, identities, cultural practices, etc.